Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zarghun Shahr, Afghanistan, especially given its high altitude and sunny climate typical of the BSk climate zone. The UV Index helps gauge the strength of ultraviolet radiation at different times of the day, which is key to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With peak UV levels reaching up to 14 around midday, awareness and action—like wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—are essential to minimize risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Stay informed and keep your skin safe while enjoying the beauty of your surroundings!
The hourly UV Index paints an intriguing picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild 3 by 07:00, it swiftly climbs to 6 by 08:00, signaling the onset of stronger rays. As the day progresses, the UV Index reaches its peak at a striking 14 during both 11:00 and 12:00, urging everyone to seek shade and apply sunscreen. After this midday crescendo, the intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 9 by 14:00, and then to a gentle 3 by 16:00. By the evening hours, the UV Index settles down to a mere 1 by 17:00, with the sun's influence waning completely, reaching 0 by 19:00. This data reminds us to stay vigilant during the peak hours, ensuring our skin's well-being under the blazing sun.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically occurring from March through September, where the index reaches its peak between May and July. In this period, UV indices range from 11 to 14, categorizing them as extreme, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Conversely, from October to December, the UV levels decrease, moving to very high and high categories, with burn times extending to 15-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the extreme months by adopting protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing to minimize skin damage. It is crucial to stay informed about daily UV forecasts to ensure safe sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazar-e Sharif UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Jalalabad UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Herat UVI | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Kandahar UVI | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Kabul UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Zarghun Shahr | 6 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 |